HereComesTheSun | ExpatWoman.com
 

HereComesTheSun

HereComesTheSun
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 April 2013 - 15:23
Exactly the same things been happening in JLT recently. It's all above board.
HereComesTheSun
544
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 April 2013 - 13:04
it's often a lot cheaper if you start your journey in India / Pak / Egypt etc. But wouldn't your ticket be voided as soon as you failed to board the plane at the original departure location? you buy a one way ticket to the departure destination, and you dont have to do the full journey in one go - can still work out cheaper than buying from Dubai. I can't really see the logic in that.
HereComesTheSun
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 April 2013 - 12:44
it's often a lot cheaper if you start your journey in India / Pak / Egypt etc. But wouldn't your ticket be voided as soon as you failed to board the plane at the original departure location?
HereComesTheSun
544
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 April 2013 - 20:28
The big sports shop next to SkiDubai does it
HereComesTheSun
544
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 April 2013 - 16:02
I don't know what the setup is at AR for the pitch and putt, but at the Montgomerie you pay a flat fee (about AED150 at the weekend, I think) and you can use the practice facilities all day. So they can go on the driving range, putting greens, practice bunkers etc all day and play the pitch and putt course as many times as they like. The food and views there are also great there. Maybe AR have something similar.
HereComesTheSun
544
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 April 2013 - 15:48
It's open for anyone but I don't think they'll appreciate a complete novice playing on the course. They'll ask for a handicap when you book it. If you lie and give them one, you're in. Otherwise they'll turn you down. To be honest, I doubt your son would enjoy it as it's very hard work even for regular golfers. Much better for them would be one of the Par 3 courses: I think there's one at AR, and there are also fantastic ones at Emirates and Dubai Creek. The Montgomerie has a much shorter 'pitch and putt' course which would also be ideal.
HereComesTheSun
544
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 April 2013 - 14:15
DEWA, for example, are happy for you to go months on end without paying. So do Etisilat; if your bill is too much they just cut you off; within about 5 mins of paying they reinstate you - they do send an email statement but not a million and one follow up calls. It's little wonder that Du are so expensive when they have all these systems and employees in place to constantly harass their customers way before any money is even owed.
HereComesTheSun
544
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 April 2013 - 14:05
Forgive me for speaking out of turn, but what's the fascination with rain on this site? It's puzzled me for a number of years now!!
HereComesTheSun
544
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 April 2013 - 13:51
I agree it's overkill. They are like this every month, even if you're not late. It usually starts about 10 days before the bill is even due. Extremely annoying as surely they can see in their records that I pay on the last possible day each month. They also have a deposit that more than covers what is due so why the mass panic every 30 days? I can't see why a little bit of leeway can't be given. DEWA, for example, are happy for you to go months on end without paying.
HereComesTheSun
544
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 April 2013 - 21:59
Makes perfect sense to me. If I was due to travel back home and they tried to give me a Scottish note at the exchange I'd refuse to accept it, and I imagine most people would do the same. Therefore it has a lower value to the bank. But where do you call home? Assuming that you were asking the exchange for "pounds" ..............you would be returning to UK, in which case, any bank would exchange a Scottish note at face value. Which is exactly the same as a pound sterling!! edited by Livelytrish on 17/04/2013 England. But that would involve me having to go out of my way to a bank or going through the usual hassle in a shop/bar/restaurant. Much simpler to just tell the exchange here to give me a Bank of England note instead, and most other English people would do the same.
HereComesTheSun
544
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 April 2013 - 21:43
thank you again, all. I was just reading the terms and conditions of our contract and it says that "Renewal of Tenancy is at the discretion of the landlord. If the tenant does not renew on Expiry he will have to pay the rent as demanded". Does this mean this is a non renewable contract? That's standard in most contracts and isn't enforceable so just ignore it.
HereComesTheSun
544
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 April 2013 - 21:41
Makes perfect sense to me. If I was due to travel back home and they tried to give me a Scottish note at the exchange I'd refuse to accept it, and I imagine most people would do the same. Therefore it has a lower value to the bank.
HereComesTheSun
544
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 April 2013 - 16:06
As the others have said, he has to give one years' notice, so don't panic. Your husband needs to go to the Rent Committee tomorrow, not RERA. Tell him to take the current contract, proof of the letter that was sent and his cheque book. With so little time left, there's a chance the Rent Committee will issue you with a new contract there and then if you can provide them with the cheques. They'll then call the LL and tell him to collect his cheques directly from them.
HereComesTheSun
544
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 April 2013 - 11:43
It's just the same as bartering at a market. Take the figure you'd be happy with, add 10-15% to it and tell them that's what you're looking for. Negotiate down from there to your original figure.
HereComesTheSun
544
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 April 2013 - 11:39
No one on this thread is denying that people drive without a license here. But claiming that it's "understandable" is just silly. It's all about personal experiences really. Mrsb obviously comes from somewhere where teenagers driving without a licence is commonplace. She was wrong to say 'everyone does that' because clearly they don't. But where I come from it's perfectly normal for teenagers to drink alcohol and have relationships with the opposite *** well before they are 18. By the sounds of it, Mrsb would be as equally horrified at that as the rest of us are about the unlicensed drivers. None of these acts should be condoned, but it's an inescapable fact that they have become the norm in many places. Which is the most dangerous? Well to me, it would be the driving around without a licence, but we all have different ways of measuring these things.
HereComesTheSun
544
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 April 2013 - 08:10
Anyway, what are teenagers doing getting drunk in public and having relations with anyone at their age??? I obviously lead a very sheltered life .... The driving without a license I can fully understand everyone does that!!!!!!! It's the complete opposite where I'm from!
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 19:27
Not Marriott but there's a shop in the Soul Madinat that sells Jumeirah pillows and duvets. Its near Gallery One
HereComesTheSun
544
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 19:22
Good grief, the world has finally gone mad
HereComesTheSun
544
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 17:28
I really can't understand the mass hysteria this has created. The authorities certainly aren't helping by ordering everyone to evacuate any sort of building; there really isn't any need. And as for those of you who are now considering packing up and leaving, how do you get through a normal day without passing out through worry? There are far more dangerous things to be concerning yourselves with than a very minor earth tremor.
HereComesTheSun
544
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 09:37
I think you'll struggle to find one that will accept a 20% down payment in the current market. Likely to be at least 30% required.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 April 2013 - 22:32
Dubai - The World's Fastest City by Jim Krane is a fantastic read. I learnt so much about the history of the place through that book.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 April 2013 - 16:56
Several of my colleagues did, but I didn't.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 April 2013 - 15:45
Yes, it's the Hessa Street exit that goes past the Media Rotana Hotel. In fact, I think there's actually a bar or restaurant in that hotel called Exit 36!
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 April 2013 - 15:30
I have been trying to use the rental calculator for a month now and always says updating?? If anyone has a link to a working calculator please post it here as our second year agreement is due in just over 2 months. It only works 1 month in advance, so just enter the renewal date as May 14th and it should work Edit: It only currently works up until the end of April, so put your renewal date as April 30th and it will give you a good indication of where you stand. <em>edited by HereComesTheSun on 15/04/2013</em>
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 April 2013 - 10:33
The Kitchen of Thai at JLT is fantastic and usually fairly quick. Baan Khun Mae at MoE is also great, but delivery can be very slow as they get incredibly busy. So if you can wait up to an hour and a half, go for the latter. But if you need your food within 30-40 mins, go for the former.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 April 2013 - 23:39
Why the lolz?
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 April 2013 - 12:12
Check your contract, there should be a clause dedicated to this very issue. Usually you are expected to give 1-2 months' notice and you pay a penalty that is equivalent to 2 months' rent. Any remaining rent that was paid upfront is then returned to you. However, the more easygoing landlords will tend to waive this penalty if you help them find someone to take the flat over upon you moving out, as he will not lose any income that way. But if you don't do this, you will have to pay up. <em>edited by HereComesTheSun on 14/04/2013</em>
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 April 2013 - 20:58
Has anyone taken up a case with the rent committee and won? I spoke to the 'manager' who handles the building I live in regarding my contract renewal a few weeks ago and was told I would get a 5% increase if I continue to pay in two cheques. When i went to handover the cheques I was told that the rent is 10% more and it doesnt matter if I pay in 2 or 4 cheques. I've cheched the RERA rental increase calculator and I am within the average rent for a similar apartment in my area. Although I told them this they said I could take the case up with RERA if I wanted but I wouldmt win. The landlord would get his way. In fact I was told quite openly the landlord wants more money as the rents in the area are now going up. And that other tenants have chosen to vacate because of this. What is the success rate with cases filed with RERA? Do I even stand a chance? It's very straight forward - you WILL win. They don't have a leg to stand on and are just trying to intimidate you into agreement. You don't need to open a case, they do. But it wont even get that far as the RC will simply tell them they are out of line and must accept your offer. One option is to take your existing contract and new cheques to the RC and leave them there. They will then contact the LL and tell him his cheques are ready for collection. Try to do all communication by email so you have a written record of what they're saying. Don't be bullied into a 10% rise, the RC will take very dim view of their behaviour.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 April 2013 - 13:23
If you list her as an absconded she might try t make things difficult for you. It will cost you as well. Better for you to lie and tell her to come to the house to collect her passport etc and then bundle her into the car and take her to the airport yourself. She will not leave without a fight. Get back up to help you. ETA: once she arrives at house you can tell her there is a change of plan and immigration have said that she has to leave now in your car. edited by Hamar on 11/04/2013 edited by Hamar on 11/04/2013 You sound like Thatcher yes, much better to do nothing and incur a 50 000 - 100 000 fine for the maid working illegally. Really blueblogger, if she didn't get on the plane last night you need to report her as absconded, protect yourself (legally and financially)! There's a huge difference between what you're advising and what action the previous poster was advocating.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 April 2013 - 10:30
I wold not buy..not an advice just the way I feel...we were continually being pressured back in the 2007 and 2008 with same arguments..till the whole thing blew up...we didn't relent. To me this whole situation feels like deja vu of the 2008. another bubble. edited by Goose on 11/04/2013 Nothing like 2008 and no more bubbles. It cannot happen. I assume you're being sarcastic, because it most certainly can and will
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 April 2013 - 10:23
Years ago a company called Navigator Insurance covered me after I was already in Dubai. They specialise in backpackers. You could try them. Based in UK
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 April 2013 - 10:19
If you list her as an absconded she might try t make things difficult for you. It will cost you as well. Better for you to lie and tell her to come to the house to collect her passport etc and then bundle her into the car and take her to the airport yourself. She will not leave without a fight. Get back up to help you. ETA: once she arrives at house you can tell her there is a change of plan and immigration have said that she has to leave now in your car. edited by Hamar on 11/04/2013 edited by Hamar on 11/04/2013 You sound like Thatcher
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 April 2013 - 07:58
Don't they normally suggest tentatively booking a room before purchasing the deal?
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 April 2013 - 15:23
Good news. Don't take any nonsense from them.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 April 2013 - 14:02
I find this confusing. The tenancy law clearly states that a tenant can only be made to move out under strictly defined circumstances, ie landlord moving in, villa being knocked down etc. [b'>and that the landlord must give 12 months minimum notice.[/b'> Which law (or amendment) is that, please? I've looked in various places but can't find mention of the 12 months' notice. Law 33 of 2008, Article 25.2.d: http://www.awf.ae/law-33-2008.html d. If the owner of the property wishes to sell the leased property. And for the purpose of clause (2) of this Article, landlord must notify tenant with reasons for eviction at least twelve months prior to the determined date of eviction subject that such notice be sent through the Notary Public or by registered mail. <em>edited by HereComesTheSun on 07/04/2013</em>
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 April 2013 - 13:42
I find this confusing. The tenancy law clearly states that a tenant can only be made to move out under strictly defined circumstances, ie landlord moving in, villa being knocked down etc. and that the landlord must give 12 months minimum notice. If the landlord does not have a valid reason for you to leave, then on what basis can he issue a non renewable contract, if your contract to date has always been renewable? The way I read it, is that the landlord must give you the correct notice as required by law, and then on renewal ie the start of the 12 month notice period, he can issue a non renewable contract. There are no other circumstances under which you contract can be altered, right or wrong?? Technically, yes, the landlord should have delivered a letter by registered mail/notary public stating that he was giving 12 months' notice (with reason), as well as a non-renewable contract. But Flower_girl was aware of his intention to "sell" when signing the non-renewable contract because she had already demanded 12 months' notice from her landlord. She could appeal to the Rent Committee on the technicality that she wasn't given 12 months' written notice, only a non-renewable contract, but I honestly don't know where she would stand under these circumstances. It would depend on the individual scenario for me. If I knew he didn't really want to sell and was just looking to increase the rent, I'd do everything in my power to stay. But if he genuinely is looking to sell, I would move on as he gave the additional 12 months that was requested the last time.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 April 2013 - 13:09
Sorry to hijack this thread ... but am now "confused". Last year we got "told" they wanted to sell the villa we live in with 6 weeks notice ... so in the end we got to renew the contract, with no written notice from them about the 12 months notice BUT a standard contract with "non renewable" part mentioned. Reading from below, I am now worried that come in May when we are to give our 60 days notice (as per contract) we won't be able too. Can someone shed some light what our situation will be please .... TIA Does it have 'Non-Renewable' as the heading on the front page? If so, you will have to vacate once your current contract is up as this is effectively their way of serving you your 12-month notice. They did what they were legally obliged to by giving you another 12 months last time round.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 April 2013 - 12:06
Have you been dealing with Geant or Whirlpool? If the former, then forget them and go directly to Whirlpool or whoever their agent is in the UAE.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 April 2013 - 11:08
What happened to the woman who took the taxi? I'd have had her arrested for theft!
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 April 2013 - 10:53
I also wouldn't sign a vacation notice as that's just not the way the process works. He should send you a formal letter by registered mail or notary public requesting you to vacate the premises at the end of your next 12-month contract and stating why he wants you to vacate. You don't need to sign anything with him, but he does need to state to you why he wants it back. The alternative is for him to simply issue you with a non-renewable 12-month contract. It must clearly state 'Non-Renewable' at the top of the first page. I suspect this is what he will opt to do if you insist on him following the correct procedure as outlined above.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 April 2013 - 09:39
Thanks girls, that's what I think. We should not have to pay more rent. He has no choice in the matter, even if he wanted to. Just send him a copy of the rental calculator page if he tries to force an increase. The rent committee will back you on this 100% if necessary
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 April 2013 - 08:37
The rental calculator says the range for a two bed in the Springs is 75,000 to 100,000. You're comfortably within that range so he certainly isn't allowed any increase and I can't see why, under the circumstances, he would give you a discount for 1 cheque. I'd just settle on the same terms again.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 April 2013 - 03:05
oh... well, wasn't there myself but my friends are raving about it - best live act they've seen in ages... They should probably get out more often then
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 April 2013 - 09:17
Sadly tales such as this are all too common in this country. Too many companies are only happy to take all the upsides of cheap, low-skilled labour without factoring in any of the possible downsides and making allowances for for them. In a well-run organisation, things like this would already be accounted for because they understand that mistakes happen and that there is no need to play the blame game each time they do. I've even heard of retail stores making staff pay for items stolen under their watch. Have they never heard of the term 'shrinkage' over here or do they just choose to ignore basic international standards because they know they can get away with treating their staff so appallingly? Anyway, I digress. Unfortunately I don't know if your colleague is able to dispute this in court. I certainly hope that he can, but as it happens so often I have my doubts.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 April 2013 - 16:38
I'm with HSBC and nothing happened when I changed jobs with a 3-month gap in between. As others have said, the account will only be frozen if your DH's employers inform the bank that he no longer works for them. They are meant to do this but in reality very few actually do. If he is leaving on good terms, I would simply speak to HR and ask them for an assurance that they won't inform the bank at least until after the gratuity has been transferred elsewhere. That's the only way to get peace of mind over this.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 April 2013 - 16:06
I re-registered mine about 4 months ago and it was a nightmare - massive queues. Then I got a text yesterday saying I had to go and do it again! RAGE I think the reason some of you are getting these 're-register' messages is because the whole country was meant to do this in 3 batches, but they were also letting people register before they were called to do so. So at the moment those of us who were meant to be in 'batch 3' are receiving these messages to go and register, whether we've already done it or not. I would just ignore these messages if you know you have already completed the process because these are not individually tailored messages, they're just being fired out to everyone who should be in batch 3.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 April 2013 - 00:20
Definitely only your basic, which is the reason why so many companies in Dubai make up salaries with spurious allowances.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 April 2013 - 18:02
They definitely have it in Geant at Ibn Battuta. Not the area you were looking for, but if all else fails that is guaranteed. It's on the shelves near the laptops with all the accessories (like cables, plugs etc)
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 April 2013 - 13:10
You could try this company: http://www.dubaicarbuyer.com/about_us.html I've never used them, so can't recommend them. Just did a quick Google as I'm also looking for something like this.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 April 2013 - 11:54
I'd complain directly to the very top of the company (globally if I didn't get the response I wanted locally). This is totally acceptable, but unfortunately very common with Groupon. It's their mistake so they should pay for it; I simply wouldn't accept anything else under these circumstances.
 
 
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